WANA (July 21) – The Advisor to the Supreme Leader on International Affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, met and discussed with the new Chinese ambassador to Iran, Kong Peiwu.

 

During this meeting, Velayati emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding the strategic relations between the two countries. He stated, “China is pursuing its development plans, especially regarding the One Belt, One Road initiative, and in this regard, utilizing Iran’s capacities and routing this corridor through our country is seriously on the agenda and must be pursued.”

 

He added, “We must not allow the events happening around us to affect China-Iran relations.”

 

In this meeting, Velayati also reaffirmed Iran’s stance on its sovereignty over the three islands and stated, “The Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb eternally belong to Iran and are an inseparable part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

He further mentioned, “We and China have a long-standing, close, and friendly cultural and historical relationship that has had many positive impacts on each other. Today, with mutual assistance, we will revive this path of cooperation, and undoubtedly, the development of relations between Iran, China, and Russia in various fields, including within the Shanghai framework, will have lasting and significant effects.”

WANA - The Advisor to the Supreme Leader on International Affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, metting with the new Chinese ambassador to Iran, Kong Peiwu

WANA – The Advisor to the Supreme Leader on International Affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, metting with the new Chinese ambassador to Iran, Kong Peiwu

Velayati stressed, “The cooperation that Iran, Russia, and China have in the region, such as conducting joint maneuvers, is undoubtedly very important for the security and fate of the region. Iran, as the most important country in the Islamic world, is ready to develop cooperation further, especially as these cooperations can be more active in the Middle East; the Middle East is the political heart of the world, and Iran has the most influence in it.”

 

The Chinese ambassador to Iran also expressed his pleasure in this meeting, thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for its stance on China, and emphasized expanding and strengthening Iran-China cooperation. He said, “You are a well-known diplomat in the international arena and a longtime friend of China who has had a significant role in shaping China-Iran relations. The cooperation and relations between the two countries must be strengthened and pursued more seriously.”

 

Peiwu added, “The relations between Iran and China are based on mutual respect and the two countries’ leaders have made great efforts to establish these relations. You are among the personalities who have actively developed and strengthened these relations.”